Silhouette of two faces looking at each other.

About us

We are a small group of enthusiastic readers and writers from the SoCal area who wanted to create an unpretentious space for marginalized creatives to publish their work. Our focus is on disability in all of its forms: physical, mental, and the seemingly endless ways the structure of our society disables BIPOC, Queer, Trans, the elderly and others.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help marginalized/disabled writers who deal with frequent periods of burnout due to the constraints of life under capitalism, monetize and share their work. We also aim to help those with disabilities gain access to funds and resources to support them through periods of burnout or inability to work.

Simply put, The Kingfisher Magazine is a place for writers and artists to put their work, bolster their resumes, and get paid for their craft while giving to a good cause. The Kingfisher should be a brain dump for tired creatives who love to read, listen to good music, and/or write.

— Co-Founders, Rowan & Marley

STATS FROM THE LATEST ISSUE

THE FOUNDERS

Marley Aikhionbare

(they/them)

Marley Aikhionbare (they/them)

photo of co-founder, Marley Aikhionbare

Marley Aikhionbare (Editor-In-Chief and Director of Operations) is a Long Beach local, queer, disabled writer of color whose work explores mundanity and the things we see but don’t notice. They love history, and graphic design, and are on the board of The Long Beach Conservancy.

photo of co-founder, Rowan Lester holding the Satanic Bible

Rowan Lester

(she/her)

Rowan Lester (she/her)

Rowan Lester (Editor and Art Director) is a UCSC Senior from Long Beach, California. She is a big fan of poorly disguised true stories and overusing adjectives. Besides writing, Rowan is very interested in fiber arts and textiles.

  • "Independent publishing is a must for any thriving literary culture. It is only a shame that there are not more of these out there."

    Jacob Smith, Paid Substack Subscriber

  • "The Kingfisher magazine—a home of inclusivity, creativity for Long Beach’s wild animals."

    Samantha Diaz , managing editor at The Signal Tribune

  • "Your work cares first. Then produces. And it's so rare to see this, really."

    Jens Astrup, Paid Substack Subscriber

  • "Your magazine is unique, important, and beautiful."

    Estelle Phillips, Author from Issue 02 of The Kingfisher Magazine